Austin Peay State University Athletics

A native of Oak Ridge, Otis Howard came to Austin Peay as a member of one of Lake Kelly’s finest recruiting classes and helped lead APSU to some of its greatest basketball glory. During his three seasons under Kelly, the Governors posted 17-10, 20-7 and a school-record 24-4 mark. The 6-7, 220-pound forward twice was named Ohio Valley Conference “Player of the Year” in 1976-77 and 1977-78. In addition, “Dr. O” was a three-time All-OVC first-team choice and All-OVC Tournament selection.  He chose APSU after being selected a Coaches Scholastic High School All-American at Oak Ridge High School.  As a freshman, he averaged 10.2 points and seven rebounds per game and followed that with a 16-point and 10.1-rebound averages as a sophomore. During that season, he was selected to the Clemson University/IPTAY in two games. Known for his huge hands, Howard grabbed a career single-game high 19 rebounds against Eastern Kentucky that season, 16.1 points and 8.3 rebound in leading the Govs to the 1976-77 OVC title and earned his first OVC “Player of the Year Award” for those efforts. He averaged a career-high 21.1 points and 10.6 rebounds as a senior in becoming a two-time “OVC Player of the Year.” HE established his single-game scoring high with 40 points against Eastern Kentucky. He also was selected a Pizza Hut All-District performer. Since leaving APSU, he continued his basketball career professionally as he established a reputation as one of the top players in Europe during his pro career.